I am not an expert on any particular subject but that does not prevent me from having my own opinions. And you form opinions by being curious and doing a lot of reading.
Good writing is the corollary of good reading.
I write mainly about trivia. About the scores of little vexations that confront us almost on a daily basis.
I try to be the little guy fighting the Machine.
Many people are much better writers than I am, but to me it is not a contest. It is more like therapy. Because it feels liberating to vent, to release bottled up emotions.
I always said that it is better to vent peacefully (with words) than violently (with guns) because “The word is mightier than the sword.”
I write about what I have experienced. Often emphasizing the absurd to make a point. Irony, sarcasm has more bite than crude insults.
I write about how I feel regarding certain events or people. For instance, I find the picture of the woman posing next to the giraffe she just shot absolutely repulsive.
I would be ashamed to pose next to any murdered animal.
Hunting is not a sport. It is a massacre. What is the glory of shooting defenseless animals with high-powered riffles? I wouldn’t mind that much if “hunters” would confront animals on equal terms.
As a matter of fact, I would rather enjoy the sight of an unarmed hunter confronting a large buck.
I am also a big proponent of writing complaint letters.
If you feel that you have been treated unfairly anywhere, write a letter to set things straight.
A phone call is practically useless, but a letter (a paper trail) can do wonders for you.
The secret of being heard is to be polite and factual.
Insults or threats have absolutely no place in such a letter. Good grammar and utmost politeness are the key to success.
Grammar is important because people have a tendency (especially in Europe) to judge you by the way you dress (or write).
Writing is also a way of crystalizing your thoughts.
Often you are unable to control what comes out of your mouth and before you realize it you have made an irretrievable booboo.
“If it’s a legitimate rate, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down.” Todd Akin (R-Mo).
Too late, you said that halfwit!
When you write (and before you publish your piece) you have plenty of time to correct your story and should read, reread and read again what you just wrote.
Anybody can write. It just takes a little discipline and a lot of patience.
Write, it is therapeutic!
Alain
